AN INTERIM report has found that critical safety checks were not carried out on the day of a fatal train crash in Powys last October.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) revealed four faults in the sanding system of a Transport for Wales (TfW) train involved in a head-on collision near Talerddig on October 21, 2024.
The sanding system – designed to help train wheels grip the rails during braking – had blocked hoses, preventing sand from being discharged. Two flow rate plates were also installed incorrectly, both placed upside down with one misaligned. In addition, two separate electrical faults were identified.
The westbound TfW train, travelling to Aberystwyth, was moving at around 24mph when it collided with an eastbound service travelling at 6mph. The impact killed passenger David Tudor Evans, 66, and seriously injured four others, including the train guard and the driver of the other train. A further 23 people suffered minor injuries.
Both trains were two-carriage class 158 units. The RAIB report says the westbound train should have stopped in a passing loop on the single-track Cambrian line to allow the eastbound train to pass. Data shows the driver applied the brakes as the train neared the loop, but the wheels began to slide. An emergency brake was activated but failed to prevent the train from sliding 900 metres downhill into the oncoming train.
Investigators found that the blocked sanding hoses were clogged with leaves and debris. Although a basic check had been carried out the day before, which indicated the hoses were clear at that time, the driver was unable to inspect the underside of the train as it was parked alongside a platform.
Network Rail confirmed that a railhead treatment train, used to tackle leaf build-up on tracks, had passed along the line and loop the night before the crash.
The RAIB says its investigation will continue to examine the sanding system, the extent of low adhesion on the tracks, and the maintenance procedures in place.
In a joint statement, Transport for Wales and Network Rail said: “Safety is always our main priority for our customers and colleagues, and we’ll continue to work together with investigators to fully understand what happened and await the full conclusion and recommendations of the investigation.”
